Damary M. Bonilla‐Rodriguez, Latina Initiative Project Manager
Girls Incorporated (Girls Inc.)
Damary helps Girls Inc. keep up with the demographic shifts across the country. An alumna of Girls Inc. of New York City, Damary has firsthand experience with and is passionate about the organization’s work. Damary is currently pursuing her EdD in Executive Leadership. She has worked in the corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. “Having grown up in a disadvantaged community, I understand the value of working to fulfill a need in communities where people need support and services to live a better life."
Jane Delgado, PhD, President and CEO
National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance)
The mission of the Alliance is to improve the health of Hispanic communities and work with others to secure good health for all. Ladies Home Journal named her one of the “Ladies We Love” and WebMD recognized her as a Health Hero. She is regularly seen on CNN, Univision and Telemundo and has published several books. Jane says she values her nonprofit work because the results are so rewarding. In particular, Jane says using science and community voices to build a healthier world, makes her work extremely fulfilling.
Douglas (Doug) Flores, Senior Director of Operations and Finance
Gay Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
Doug was the former Chief Operating Officer of PAX Real Solutions to Gun Violence and Vice President for Prevention and Treatment and Underserved Markets at the Texas Affiliate of the American Heart Association. In the Peace Corps, he worked on small business development in Costa Rica. “The people I get to work with are incredibly diverse professionally, economically, and demographically,” said Flores, “yet we all share a passion for a mission… I know that I can make a difference that is very satisfying.”
Deborah (Debbie) Foster, Chief Diversity Officer & Executive Vice President
United Way Worldwide (UWW)
With degrees in early child development and social work, Deborah is responsible for relationships with key stakeholders, including United Way professionals, organized labor and national nonprofit organizations. She served as a consultant for United Ways in Africa and led a number of other efforts for United Way, including a 100 million dollar food and shelter program. “Being engaged in helping individuals and communities think provides a unique opportunity to continually learn, grow and align with my interests, skills and values” she states.
Marissa Gearhart, Assistant Director, Latino Outreach/Education Strategy
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)
A background in marketing and advertising prepared Marissa for her current position, where she pursues strategies for reaching, serving, and empowering Latino youth and families. She was attracted to the nonprofit sector because, “it is full of people who work tirelessly to provide quality programs and services to those who need it most. There is always an opportunity for me to use my passion to make a positive impact on the community that I live in.”
Byron Haverstick, Senior District Executive
Boy Scouts of America
Armed with a Bachelor’s in Human Service
Agency Management and certification from
American Humanics, Bryon serves the Greater
St. Louis Area Boy Scouts of America. He started his nonprofit
career as a volunteer basketball coach and public address
announcer for the Boys & Girls Club. Bryon grew up in a Boys
and Girls Club and knows the positive impact the staff had on
his life. He says, “The rewards are endless. Seeing a Scout earn
his Eagle Scout badge or a smile on the face of a Tiger Scout
working on a craft makes all of the work worthwhile. It’s
building character while having fun!”
Holly Hilton‐Dennis, Information Coordinator
Girls Incorporated (Girls Inc.)
Holly earned a degree in Anthropology, took an
internship at a museum and did stints at teaching
and supervising a child abuse hotline prior to her
current role. Holly finds working in the nonprofit sector enjoyable
because she believes in her organization’s mission. She
says “Everyone deserves a chance to be educated, healthy and
happy and I feel that I have worked to help make this a reality
for more people.” Earlier adventures included teaching English
in Japan and Belize.
Christine (Chris) James‐Brown, President/CEO
Child Welfare League of America
Chris leads the nation’s oldest and largest
membership‐based child welfare organization.
She previously held CEO positions in United Way
at the local and international levels. Chris says “I
wandered into nonprofit work. At the time I started my career,
I had very little understanding of the sector and its importance.
The missions of the organizations that I have worked for and
the variety of people from all walks of life that I have been able
to meet, make this work so fulfilling.”
Marvin B. Laster, Director of Character and
Citizenship Programs
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)
Marvin is responsible for efforts to get local Club
members engaged in service projects. Before
that, he was the Director of Diversity Services at
BGCA. He came to the nonprofit sector because “nonprofits
advocate for and provide direct services to those who are
often overlooked or underserved. The nonprofit sector focuses
on serving the needs of people or the environment as opposed
to increasing the bottom line or profit margin for investors was
key in my decision.”
Matthew (Matt) Lechel, Regional Development
Specialist
Girl Scouts, Heart of Michigan
Matt holds a Bachelor’s and a MPA in Nonprofit
Leadership. In his current position, he identifies
and cultivates donors, among various other
responsibilities (event planning, online giving efforts and social
media). Matt received American Humanics certification and is
the recipient of a NextGen Leadership award. Matt serves on
numerous nonprofit board, including I.D.E.A. Association, a
food co‐op, County Parks Commission, and American Camp
Association‐Michigan Section.
Daphne Logan, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Feeding America
Daphne holds a Bachelor’s in Sociology. In her current position,
she is responsible for Human Resources, Administration, and
Knowledge and Learning. Daphne was a Human Resources
Manager at Teachers Academy for Mathematics and Science.
She is passionate about the nonprofit world and finds the sector fulfilling
because she can have a positive impact (even if indirect) on the quality of life
for those in need. Daphne serves on the Board of Trustees for a 501(c)
Agencies Trust.
Denise Truvillion, Project Manager, Human Resources and
Diversity
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
Denise assists with high‐priority and confidential initiatives, conducts
research on workforce and diversity trends, and develops
profiles of candidates for the national board, in addition to many other
responsibilities. Denise also serves as the pro bono Administrative Director
for the Human Spirit Initiative, based in Minneapolis. She says, “I am very
proud of my choice (to work in the nonprofit sector) and would highly recommend
it to others.”
Margie Wang, Vice President, Finance Services & Technology
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
Margie’s Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in Mathematics, Computer
Science and Finance positioned her for her current position.
Under her leadership, GSUSA implements a nationwide
enterprise system for member, financial, retail and fundraising
management, and data warehouse capabilities; and a pathway for girls to
participate virtually. Her desire to transfer her industry skills to Girl Scouts led
her to a career in the nonprofit sector. She adds, “in a federated nonprofit
organization, one has the ability to have an impact on local communities
nationwide.”
Lesley Williams, Publishing Coordinator
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
Lesley Williams is an alumna of American Humanics. She was
previously employed at The Forbes Funds and the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation. Lesley describes herself as someone who is not
afraid to color outside the lines! Inspired by the people, places,
and things she sees on a daily basis, in 2008 Lesley launched a blog Where
Causes and Creativity Connect. “As a nonprofit practitioner you can uplift
people and/or places associated with your mission. In the process you uplift
others as well as yourself. It’s a wonderful exchange!”
James (Jim) Yu, Vice President, Relationship Management
United Way Worldwide (UWW)
Jim is a member of the Brand Leadership Team and is responsible
for helping UWW Worldwide manage its relationships
with diverse constituents. He held positions in Internet
Strategies and Business Development at UWW. Jim came to
the nonprofit sector to give back. “It’s been much more satisfying than a
career on Wall Street or manufacturing. I created the job description for my
current and past few positions so I have no one else to blame if I’m unhappy.
You can create your own opportunities in the nonprofit sector.”